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CCB MEDIA PHOTOChildren’s Cove is in a secluded spot in the Mid Cape area.

HYANNIS – The Children’s Cove kicks off its 17th Annual Champions for Children Conference today at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotels in Hyannis.

The conference is an informative and innovative multidisciplinary conference offering workshops presented by nationally recognized experts in the field of child abuse.

“It gives an opportunity for over 250 professionals in the field to really gain knowledge and trends on best practices around the issue of child abuse,” said Children’s Cove Director Stacy Gallagher.

“We bring in people such as social workers, prosecutors, judges, medical professionals, teachers, forensic interviewers, advocates, clinical professionals and law enforcement for these two days to be able to gain that knowledge.”

The experts will cover all forms of child abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, trafficking and exploitation, as well as how to prevent it.

One of the premier child maltreatment conferences in the country, the Champions for Children Conference will also provide professionals with extensive and innovative insight to assist child victims and families in the community.

“We see around 200 children per year for various services that we have here at Children’s Cove. When we talk about statistic, that’s only about one in ten (children) disclosing. So, we know there’s a whole lot more kids out there who have experienced some kind of trauma around child abuse,” said Gallagher.

“For us, we need to be able to get out to the community and do outreach and awareness around this issue, so that’s what we do as well.”

The conference is sponsored by the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office.